Past Meetups (105)

What we're about

Bella Nova launched in the late summer of 2013 under the direction of Richard Lewellen. Bella Nova is the first Virginia-based chapter of Harmony Incorporated, an international, non-profit organization whose purpose is to empower all women through education, friendship and a cappella singing in the barbershop style. The chapter was born from the members of Epic quartet, Harmony, Inc.’s 2012 International Quartet Champions. When Epic won their crowns in November 2012, they were associate members of Harmony, Inc., and affiliated with Area 2 because there is not a single Harmony, Inc. chapter in all of Virginia, Maryland or D.C. Having immense pride in the Harmony, Inc. organization, Epic decided to start a chapter that would; ...Be family and member friendly, and welcome female singers of all ages. … Be active contributors to and promoters of the Harmony, Inc. organization. … Avoid rehearsing on weeknights minimizing the stress of Washington, D.C.-area traffic, so that potential members who work during the week wouldn’t find weeknight rehearsals burdensome, and so that younger participants could juggle school-related priorities. … Bring energy and authenticity to all performances, including competitions. … Be structured in such a way that ALL members feel included and celebrated. … Provide an alternative to traditional barbershop choruses in schedule, repertoire, leadership, opportunities and in the overall group dynamic and energy. We believe that Bella Nova will grow to become exactly what its name indicates — a beautiful group of women who are bright and shining stars. Please consider joining us as we grow this special organization.